How Much Does an HSG Test Cost?
An HSG test, commonly referred to as a hysterosalpingogram test, will look inside of the uterus, fallopian tubes and surrounding area after a contrast dye was injected through the cervix.
This important test for fertility potential will show whether or not the fallopian tubes are opened or obstructed and if there is a blockage at the intersection of the tube and uterus or at the opposite end of the tubes.
The cost of an HSG test
The costs of an HSG will depend on your geographical location, the facility, the doctor and anesthesiologist performing the procedure. From our research, the costs of an HSG test, including the facility fee, doctor’s fee and anesthesiologist fees, without any insurance coverage, will range anywhere from $550 to $1,750.
As for health insurance, most health insurance companies will not cover the procedure as it tends to fall into the “infertility” category, and unless it’s medically necessary, which is highly uncommon, you will need to be prepared to pay the costs out of pocket. In some cases, a hospital will offer a cash discount to those who pay their costs up front. On this blog post at WhattoExpect.com, for example, a woman who had her HSG test thought her insurance policy would cover her procedure since the hospital she went to said it was submitted to insurance as it was deemed a necessary procedure. In the end, the insurance claim was denied and she was responsible for the $900 bill.
The Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago posted the national averages for fertility treatments, with the cost for a hysterosalpingogram ranging anywhere from $800 to $3,000.
At MDSave.com, they listed more than 70+ providers, who posted prices ranging anywhere from $200 to $800.
One member on this Babycenter.com forum thread stated she was charged $800 for the facility fee, $240 the doctor and another $140 for the anesthesiologist, while another said she paid about $170 after her insurance paid its share. Via another thread, one member in Michigan said she paid about $700 after the insurance covered its portion.
How does the test work?
The entire test takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete and is commonly done inside of either the radiology department at a hospital or at third-party outpatient radiology facility. Before the procedure, WebMD.com notes your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication or an antibiotic.
Inside the exam room, you will lie on the exam table, usually with stirrups, positioning into a “frog leg” position, where you bring your feet up.
When in position, and after performing a pelvic exam, the gynecologist, nurse or a technician will insert a speculum to visualize the cervix.
Then, either a smooth, slim catheter is inserted via the cervical opening into the uterine cavity or an instrument, known as a tenaculum, is put on the cervix, followed by inserting a thin metal cannula through the cervical opening.
Next, a contrast is injected, using one of these two instruments, slowly into the uterine cavity, and as this is being performed, an x-ray will take pictures as the uterine cavity is being filled. As the uterine cavity begins to fill, it will eventually empty into the abdominal cavity, where more x-rays are taken.
When both of the tubes eventually spill the dye, you will then be asked to rotate to your side in order to take more x-rays while in this position.
After this final x-ray, the devices are withdrawn and the doctor will allow you to rest for the next several minutes to allow the cramping to subside due to the injection.
Results of the tests are available immediately, and the x-rays will be reviewed after the entire procedure is performed.
Risks/complications of an HSG test
Complications, as per AdvancedFertility.com, can include the chance of an allergic response to the dye, rashes, a pelvic infection and/or uterine perforations. While these are considered complications, they are considered to be very rare and quite uncommon.
HSG Pain – should I worry?
With most women, the dye painlessly passes through the uterus, through the fallopian tubes and eventually out of the abdominal cavity, according to VeryWell.com. But, if your tubes are blocked, then this could cause pressure, leading to mild pain or some sort of discomfort. If you do feel pain, your doctor will want to know immediately as this isn’t normal. In this case, he or she will release the catheter right away to help relieve the pressure.
To help reduce your pain, your doctor may recommend taking an ibuprofen about 90 minutes before your HSG. Doing so can help reduce the cramping during the test.
The Shady Grove Fertility states most of its patients say “that really wasn’t so bad” after the procedure was done, however, according to many commenters via that link, some did note it was quite painful, with some noting it was more uncomfortable than a PAP.
In conclusion, it appears the reports will vary and it will greatly depend on your pain tolerance and circumstances.
Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.